Friday, July 10

My Delicious Day With Julie & Julia

OK, I'm gonna come right out and say it. I like the taste of celebrity. Hobnobbing with Julie & Julia author, Julie Powell, and Executive Chef Brian Malarkey, of Top Chef fame, yesterday in Hollywood was amazing.

Julie & Julia author, Julie Powell.

I was invited to an exclusive event hosted by Columbia Pictures for the upcoming film Julie & Julia, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. (Yes, the same two talented actresses from the 2008 film Doubt.)

After meeting at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, we were escorted to the Hollywood Arc Light Cinemas for a private screening of the film. Then we attended a cooking demo hosted by Brian Malarkey of San Diego's The Oceanaire Seafood Room. I know you remember him from season 3 of Top Chef. He was the one with the cute hat, affable personality, and sublime dishes. Yesterday, he whipped up Julia Child's 2 1/2 hour-long-boeuf bourguignon in about 8 minutes, while he chatting amiably with Julie Powell. What can I say? The guy has serious skills.

We also met the film's food stylist, Susan Spugen, who shared some food styling secrets and insider tips with us. And for you food bloggers out there, don't worry if your food looks a little messy; Susan says, "messy is the new black" in food photography. So go ahead, and toss some crumbs on the plate.

The day ended with Julie Powell and actor, Chris Messina, discussing their experience with the film. Writer/director Nora Ephron wrote the screenplay, which is based on Julie's book Julie & Julia. Julie said she acted as a consultant on the film, and was thrilled that "beautiful, petite, red-headed, Oscar-nominated Amy Adams" was portraying her. Actor, Chris Messina. He's even cuter in person, ladies.Chris Messina, who was surprisingly approachable, self-deprecating, (and cute!), offered interesting insight into filmmaking and acting and said that he was humbled to work alongside such respected actors as Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Amy Adams. He also shared how he prepared for the numerous eating scenes in the movie: he would starve himself all day, so he'd be ravenous by the time of the shoot. Of course, even starving didn't help the day he had to eat 36 bruschettas in a row.I have a lot more to share with you about the film and my experience. Look for it in an upcoming post. In the meantime, check out my updates about the event on Twitter @foodblogga.And to top the day off, while in Hollywood, I spotted the adorable and delightful Derek Phillips, who plays Billy Riggins on Friday Night Lights (The best drama on TV). I became so giddy that I didn't even notice the departure of my entire group, that is, except for oh-so-sweet Nicole of Baking Bites, who hung around to take our pic. Thanks, Nicole!

If you haven't seen Friday Night Lights, do yourself a favor. Go buy the first three seasons. Come home, grill some burgers, open up a couple of cold beers, and start watching. Then thank me in the morning.

Looks like a great day. How did you get invited to this? I work in showbiz and go to opening a lot, but I was actively campaigning to go to an advance of this and never heard a word a bout it. Please share your technique! GREG

Seeing your comments about FNL made my day. I like it when people love that show the way I do. It's hands down the best written tv show out there right now. Billy's all good...but Tim would've been even better!

I'm very happy for your great day. You made it sound perfect. You have worked hard to get to this point and I have enjoyed your work for at least a couple of years. I've heard you on NPR and I love your blog. I'm really looking forward to this movie!

How fun! I love reading about your impressions of the experience. Also, great photo of you (with some guy I've never heard of who's on a TV show I've also never hard of! Obviously I need to get out more!) I did recognize you though!

What a wonderful day! Thanks for sharing it. I'd love to hear more about Susan Spungen's tips as I've long admired her work. I've been longing for this film to come out ever since I heard it was in production, and now it's finally here. Well, almost, I'm in the UK so I'll have to wait a little longer...

You seem like the nicest person and I'm so happy such cool things are happening in your life. I know this was a blast! This movie has us all so energized. Our blogging community is really coming together over this. I bet we'll be lining up outside theaters all over the country on Aug. 7th. BTW- You do look beautiful in your photo op! :)

You are so cute! That's fun you got a picture with Riggins. I love Friday Night Lights too. It's one of the few TV shows that gives a realistic portrayal of marriage and family life. Anyway, glad you had such a great opportunity.